The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the full swing of things at training camp ahead of the 2025 season, which means players are starting to feel the toll of all of the work being done to their bodies. Pittsburgh has already seen a decent amount of injuries to the defensive line, while the offensive line has also been beat up. Injuries are bound to happen throughout camp, but there have been no serious injuries to report quite yet, aside from Dean Lowry's season-ending injury
Kylee Surike / The Patriot-News
Steelers' Donte Kent looks on during Organized Team Activities in June of 2025.
One injury that is a bit concerning is to rookie defensive back Donte Kent. It was reported he was seen walking in a boot, and he did not practice on Saturday or Sunday for Pittsburgh. This means he likely suffered the injury during Pittsburgh's annual "Friday Night Lights" practice, which is typically one of the most intense practices of training camp. It is unclear what the exact injury is to Kent, but it should be assumed it is something to do with his foot or ankle due to the walking boot.
Kent was an interesting prospect that wasn't really on anyone's radar going into the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh selected him in the seventh round of the event after he spent five seasons at Central Michigan. He played on the outside and in the slot, and he also made a name for himself on special teams as a returner.
CMU Athletics / Mac Mayhew
Steelers cornerback Donte Kent during his days with CMU.
Kent redshirted his first season at Central Michigan in 2020 and only played in six games, but he was a consistent contributor for the team in the following four seasons. He is very experienced as he played in 53 games throughout his college career, totaling 234 total tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was the team's primary punt returner in his final season in 2024, as he returned 16 punts for 217 yards and a touchdown.
Calvin Austin III is a reliable punt returner for Pittsburgh, but Kent provided the team with some depth as a returner. His burst is impressive and he immediately became one of faster players on the roster for the Steelers. It is unclear how long he will be out with his undisclosed injury, but hopefully he can get back on the field quickly so he can solidify a roster spot for himself.
Kent was never going to be relied upon much on defense during his rookie season. Pittsburgh brought in Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay at cornerback during the 2025 offseason, and the presence of Joey Porter Jr. and Beanie Bishop would have made it difficult for him to see the field on defense at all. Brandin Echols is another new addition who has versatility in the defensive backfield who has had an impressive showing in Latrobe.
CMU Athletics / Mac Mayhew
Steelers' Donte Kent during his time in college with Central Michigan.
Steelers' Kent's Roster Spot Is Certainly In Jeopardy
Due to Kent being a seventh-round pick, him making the final roster was never a lock. The injury is certainly a setback and further hurts his chances to make the final 53. The offseason additions in the secondary make Kent an afterthought on defense, so his main path to making the team was going to be on special teams as a returner, or maybe even as a gunner on punt. He will need to get back on the field soon and impress if he wants to be on the team at the end of August.
Fans should get some more clarity on the injury to Kent in the coming days. If it was something extremely serious the fan base probably would have already been updated. It could be something as small as a rolled ankle. Pittsburgh has an off day on Monday, so maybe he can get back on the field by the time the team is back at practice on Tuesday. It was reported that Kent was having a decent training camp, so the setback is hard to see for the rookie.
What do you think about the injury to Kent? Let us know in the comments below!
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